52 of the Best Campgrounds in North Georgia

Looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors, learn something new, and spend time with your family? Camping is the answer! Whether you are looking for a full-service option with water, electricity, showers, and plenty of activities for the family….or you enjoy a secluded hide-away where only Mother Nature is invited…..we’ve got a place for you.

TWe worked tirelessly to bring you a collaborative collection of the best campgrounds around North Georgia. (OK, we sneaked in a few just south of the city.) As always, if you have a favorite that is not mentioned, leave us a comment below so we can add it to the list!

Amicalola State Park (Dawsonville) – Back-in sites only. All sites are on a 25% incline, with a platform available for camping on level ground. Electricity and water, picnic tables, grill, and fire ring at the site. Comfort stations and laundry on site, also. (F)

Andrews Cove Campground (Helen) – Tall hardwoods and a cool stream full of rainbow and brown trout make this a perfectly relaxing spot. Toilet and drinking water (from a hand pump) are available. (P)

Bald Mountain Resort (Hiawasee) – Bald Mountain is a camping resort. There is a lake for fishing, multiple pools, bandstand, volleyball court, playgrounds, game room, shuffleboard, game room, and more. Shady or sunny spots available, all with electric, water, a picnic table, and fire ring. (F)

Bear Creek(Ellijay) – This area is perfect for experienced campers who love to mountain bike. There are trails here from seven to 20 miles in length. Also, one of Georgia’s largest trees, the Gennett Poplar. Campers must walk-in, as the site is accessed via a narrow wooden bridge. There are two toilets, but no other amenities. (B)

Black Rock Mountain State Park (Mountain City) – This park is the highest state park. Because of that you enjoy 80-mile vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as cooler weather, making it an ideal summer camping location. There are forests, streams, and waterfalls to take in, as well as a lake for fishing or canoeing. Water and electricity available. (F,B)

Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center(Mansfield) - Nature is your playground at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. After visiting the excellent education center to get a little history and a better understanding of the pristine wilderness, you will be car-camping at my top recommendation for families just beginning to camp Georgia's Wildlife Management Areas. Charlie Elliott really bridges the gap between State Parks & WMAs with their multitude of programs designed to educated families and youth about nature, astronomy, conservation, and outdoor recreation opportunities. There is no electric, no water, little/no bath facilities near the campground, and no cell service. Be prepared to pack out your trash! (P, B)

Chattahoochee Bend State Park (Newnan) - One of Georgia's newer State Parks, this is a great place to find adventure & relaxation at all levels of camping comfort. During the day, you will find yourself hiking the trails, paddling & fishing along Georgia's beloved Chattahoochee River and playing with the kids at the playground. For the evenings, you have a wide variety of options from parking your RV, pitching the family tent on a platform or loading your gear on a kayak and paddling to a more secluded, primitive site. Some sites include electric and all but the backcountry sites have access to a restroom. (F,P,B)

Chehaw(Albany) - 800 acres of cypress swamps, forests and a wild animal park. Pull-through sites and tent sites, both with electricity and water. Sites include a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Fishing is also included with admission. A comfort station, with laundry facilities, is available on site. Enjoy canoeing (ages 8 and up,) BMX racing, and disc golf. (F)

Cloudland Canyon State Park(Rising Fawn) – Often cited as the best state park in Georgia, there are rugged views and wonderful hiking. Backcountry campsites are available; the hike-in distance is a moderate 1-mile. Pit privys are available, as well as a fire ring and picnic table at each site. Back-in sites include water and electricity. Walk-in sites include water, restrooms, a fire ring, and picnic tables. There is a designated parking area, with showers and restrooms also. If you’re interested in caving, consider hooking up with Georgia Girl Guides for a wild and muddy time. (F, B)

Cooper Creek Campground (Blairsville) – There are several campsites here, four are waterfront. There are no water or electric hook-ups or dump station available in the campground. All of the sites are within easy walking distance of the creek. Restroom and drinking water available. There are several hiking trails, as well as fishing in Cooper or Mulky Creeks. (P)

Cottonwood Patch Campground (Chatsworth) - This hidden gem of a campground is located on the bank of the Conasauga River near the Tennessee/Georgia border. Iron Mountain trail is accessed directly from the campground. The grounds are newly renovated. Drinking water and toilet available. Horse trailers accepted. Hiking open to horses, foot-traffic, or mountain bikers. (P,S)

Deep Hole Recreation Area (Suches) – Canoe, camp, and fish on the banks of the Toccoa River. Water and electricity are not available, but a small restroom and a fishing deck are onsite. Each site has a grill, picnic table, and lantern post. Waterfront sites available. (P)

Desoto Falls Campground(Dahlonega) – Ultra dense forest, which makes a great base for the waterfalls in the area. Creekside spots available, with great trout fishing in Frogtown Creek. No water or electricity hookups, but there is a drinking water faucet for the campgrounds. Lower campgrounds have a warm water shower and toilets. Parking on campsite. (P)

Dockery Lake Campground (Dahlonega) – Pine and hardwood forests, with hemlock and laurel. The lake receives cold water from Waters Creek, and contains a surplus of trout. There are two hiking trails; one around the lake and a longer one that reaches the Appalachian Trail. There is a flush toilet and drinking water. (P)

Doll Mountain Campground (Ellijay) - Hailed by many amateur astronomers as a dark sky observation site, you will not be disappointed by the immensity of the night sky, here. A full service campground complete with many electric hook up sites, restrooms, showers, vending machines, and playground, you will find a home away from home. Enjoy boating, stargazing, and relaxing at camp and hiking or mountain biking at nearby Ridgeway Park & Woodring Branch Recreation Area. (F,P,B)

Enota (Hiawassee) – Trout fishing, waterfall hikes, and seasonal activities such as animal feedings, hayrides, and organic garden tours. Family sites available along the stream, with a fire ring, water, and electricity. Playground and bathhouse (hot water and laundry service) close by. Primitive sites, camper sites, RV hookups, and cabins available, too. (F)

Fort Mountain State Park (Chatsworth) - Select from back-in, walk-in, or backcountry campsites. This is a great park for newbies; the First-Time Camper Program is offered here. Hike, mountain bike, swim in the lake, canoe or paddle boat, play mini golf, or geocache. (F, P, B)

Fort Yargo State Park (Winder) – This park as 18 miles of trails for hikers and bikers, a large lake with a beach, for swimming, boating, or fishing, and mini golf. Campsites are back-in with electricity, walk-in, or pioneer camp. Lakeside yurts, which are large canvas and wood tent structures, are also available. Grills and fire rings are available, as well as a comfort station. This is a First Time Camper Program park. (F, P, S)

Frank Gross Recreation Area (Blue Ridge) - Camp and fish on Rock Creek. Water and electricity are not available, but a small restroom is onsite. While this area is secluded, only ¼ mile down the road is the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery, with an informational visitor kiosk, outdoor raceway viewing, picnicking, and an Environmental Education Center. (P)

Hard Labor Creek State Park (Rutledge) – Horse lovers will appreciate their own campsite, near the stalls. Back-in sites come with and without electric. Pioneer sites have no water or electricity; several are near the lake. Visitors can swim on the lake’s beach, ride horses, golf, hike, bike, or geocache. (F,P)

Harris Branch Campground (Oakman) – Back-in and Walk-in sites with restrooms, showers, and laundry. On the south side of beautiful Carter’s Lake with beach access nearby. (F,P)

Hart State Recreation Area(Hartwell) – Swim, boat, or fish on Lake Hartwell. Hiking and bike trails available. This park is also close to Richard B. Russell State Park, with a beach, more trails, another lake, and a premier golf course. Back-in or walk-in sites. Electricity and comfort stations. (F,P)

Hickey Gap Campground (Crandall) – Tons of trees and seclusion at this Cohutta Wildernes stop-over. The campground sits on Mill Creek, stocked with trout for year-round fishing. There is a toilet, but no water or electricity. Mountain biking and hiking within 15 drive. (P)

Hidden Creek Campground (Calhoun) – So named because the creek that runs through the campground will flow freely for several days, and then disappear without a trace. Pit toilets and drinking water available. Hiking and picnicking are within driving distance. Best part? It’s free! (P)

High Falls State Park (Jackson) - High Falls has it all! This is an excellent park to kick off your family camping adventures. Enjoy swimming in the pool, playing at the playground or competing in a round of mini golf when you're not off exploring nature. A nice blend of modern activities and outdoor recreation, you'll also find miles of hiking trails and have fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and fun paddleboats to rent. When it's time to lay down for an evening of rest, you'll be getting comfortable in one of the park's six yurts, full service or primitive campsites or joining your group on a paddle to the more secluded group primitive site. Campers will appreciate the restrooms, showers, and visitor center. (F,P,B)

Indian Springs State Park (Flovilla) - Creek Indians collected water here for centuries, purporting its healing qualities. Now visitors can sample the spring water, wade in Sandy Creek or swim in McIntosh Lake. Enjoy boating, hiking, biking or geocaching. Back-in sites include water and electricity. Pioneer sites include water and a fire ring, with nearby parking. (F, P)

Jack’s River Fields Campground (Blue Ridge) – No longer a field, the forest has taken over here. Primitive camping with a toilet and drinking water. There is an un-named creek for wadding. Down-stream makes for better fishing. This is great for horse riders, too, with parking for horse trailers and a post for the horse. A horse watering station is also on site. This campsite is a trailhead for several trails for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. (P, S)

Jellystone Park (Bremen) – This Yogi Bear themed campground is all about the kids, with activities, a swimming pool, playgrounds, mini golf, and more. All sites have water and electricity. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even an outdoor theater, are available. (F, S)

Lake Conasauga Campground (Chatsworth) - Camping is near this spring-fed lake, the highest in Georgia. The area is remote, and campers can enjoy fishing, swimming, and hiking. Flush toilets are centrally located, and drinking water hydrants are situated around the grounds. (P)

Lake Lanier Islands(Buford) – Lake Lanier has three campgrounds: Shoal Creek, Chestnut Ridge, and Blue Ridge. Shoal Creek has wooded lake view sites available, with water and electricity, or primitive. Restrooms and showers, picnic tables, grills, and fire rings are available. Chestnut Ridge offers much of the same, with boat ramp access. Blue Ridge adds to the mix with premium lake-front sites, a fishing pier, and camp store. Sites here are also convenient to the resort and spa (including the water park and golf course.) (F,P)

Magnolia Springs State Park (Millen) – I’m fudging a little here, since this is really middle Georgia, but after having visited I guarantee you don’t want to miss this park. It includes a spring, which pumps 9 million gallons of water a day! It is filled with alligator and at least 100 turtles that love to follow you as you walk the path around the spring. It is also home to one of two Civil War POW camps (a great place to get your limited edition Civil War Jr Ranger Badge.) Only 20 minutes from George L Smith State Park with gorgeous canoeing and hiking in the cypress tree –filled lake. Pioneer sites available, as well as water and electric sites. Comfort stations, also. (F,P)

Morganton Point Campground (Morganton) – On the banks of Blue Ridge Lake, with a pebble beach and boat launch. Pristine waters inside the Chattahoochee National Forest are ripe with bass. Hiking trails of all lengths are in the area. Primitive or electricity/water sites available. Restrooms and showers on site, with drinking water faucet for campground use. RV sites available. (F, P)

North Georgia Canopy Tours (Lula) – Spend the night in an authentic teepee, complete with beds and bedding, air conditioning and heating, electricity, and lighting. Tent campsites also available. Campers all share a Comfort Station with showers, bathrooms, and grills. While staying, take a Canopy Tour through the trees. Guests can also enjoy geocaching, cornhole, tetherball, disc golf, and other games. (S, F)

Oconee River Campground (Greensboro) – An intimate camping space for only 5 tents on the banks of the Oconee River. Hiking, picnicking, and boat launch available. Toilets, but you must bring your own drinking water. (P)

Panola Mountain (Stockbridge) – Enjoy the beauty of the Arabia Mountain area by camping in the midst of it within Panola Mountain. Five primitive tent sites sit on Scout Lake, requiring a ½ mile hike-in. There are a number of activities at this park to keep you busy: Hiking, biking, archery, Geocaching, birding, tree climbs, boat rental, and much more! (B, P)

Paulding Forest WMA(Dallas) - Paulding Forest is a quiet patch of woods crisscrossed by creeks. You'll want to pack a bike because The Silver Comet Trail cuts through this WMA. However, you won't find restrooms or other facilities, so be prepared for that. Like all of Georgia's Wildlife Management Areas, this land is frequently used for hunting and fishing purposes. So, be sure to check out http://georgiawildlife.com for any important information, wear bright colors and be aware. The check station is on Highway 278 near Willow Springs Road.(P,B)

Pocket Campground (Dalton) – Remnants from the original Native American site are no longer found here, but you can see traces of the community that followed. There are two trails in the lush forest, a creek, and good fishing nearby. Flush toilets and drinking water are available. (P)

Salacoa Creek Park (Ranger) - Thirty-five lovely, well-equipped camp sites are available to guests who really enjoy the great out-of-doors! All sites have water and electrical hook-ups, picnic tables and grills. Women's and men's showers are available. Enjoy high-quality swimming and beach, boating, picnicking, and fishing. (F)

Stone Mountain Park Campground (Stone Mountain) – Enjoy Georgia’s #1 attraction and then spend the night there! Water/electric sites and Primitive sites are available. Various packages are available which include golf, Adventure Passes to the park, firewood, and more. New to camping? The Ready, Set, Camp! Package includes a tent (all set up when you arrive,) and sleeping pads. Best part? You get to take these home with you! (F,P)

Sweetwater Campground (Cartersville) – A great place to enjoy Lake Allatoona. There are over 150 sites, with or without water and electricity. Shore-side sites available, as well as double sites and family camping sites. Kids will like two swimming beach areas, and playgrounds. The campground includes a boat launch, too. (F)

Tate Branch Campground (Clayton) – Tate Branch River meets Tallulah River at this campground. Enjoy the clean air, fish in the river, or hike the Coleman River Trail, only about three miles away. Campsites are walk-in, and the grounds include a toilet, and hand pump for drinking water.

The Rock Ranch (The Rock) – Sleep on a bunkbed inside a Conestoga wagon. Package includes all necessities such as mattresses, lanterns, firewood, port-o-potties, water, and more, in a fenced in area. Order a hot dog dinner for a tad extra, or hire a story teller or astronomer to make your campfire gathering a little more interesting. (S, F)

Unicoi State Park(Helen) – Unicoi has back-in sites with water and electricity, and walk-in sites. Adventurous families will like the Squirrels Nest, which includes a primitive hiking experience on a wooden platform with a roof and back wall (no tents allowed.) Walk-in sites and the Squirrels Nest include picnic tables, a grill, fire ring, and comfort station. (F,P, S)

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground (Helen) - While you won't find much in the way of amenities, you will feel like you've left the world far behind and entered a natural paradise. This 34-site campground is less than 30 minutes from all the shopping and events of Helen, Georgia! You will find a restroom & drinking water, but nature will have to be your playground, here. (P)

Vogel State Park(Blairsville) - Nestled at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest, popular Vogel State Park offers primitive & backcountry campers a variety of organized activities & events such as Fishing Rodeos & Festivals. Hiking nature lovers can choose from easy or challenging trails around the park. Rent pedal boats or kayaks to explore & fish the park's lake. You can also entertain yourself on the seasonal beach, bike rentals, playing a round of mini-golf or visiting the playground. Front country campers will have access to restrooms & showers. (P,B)

NOW CLOSED - Waters Creek Campground in Chestatee WMA(Clevland) - For the true nature lovers who want seclusion and a connection with the pristine beauty of North Georgia. An amazing waterfall greets you as you enter this primitive campground. This is prime hunting & trout fishing land, so you may want to check hunting seasons before taking your family camping. There are many hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and signs of wildlife to keep you busy. This is primitive car camping with no bathroom facilities, water or electric and little to no cell service. The sites are medium-large with a good distance between sites for privacy. You will need to be comfortable driving a miles long gravel road and fording a creek to get to the camping area. (P, B)

West Fork Campground (Clayton) – This isolated location with only five walk-in sites gives you a gorgeous birds-eye view of the Chattooga River. Visitors often comment they feel as though they’ve been swept back in time and are looking out onto the great frontier of the past when enjoying the area’s treasured scenic views. Come explore and enjoy such adventures as camping, fishing, hiking and canoeing! Toilet available; bring your own drinking water. (P)

Wildcat Creek Campground (Clayton) – Wildcat Creek’s sliding rock is a fun way to relax on this camping trip! There are no hook ups or drinking water, but there is a toilet, grill, and picnic table. The creek is stocked with rainbow trout, and there is little light pollution, making the stars amazing to behold. (P)

Willis Knob Horse Camp (Clayton) – Willis Knob is a horse-lovers hideaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Two trails provide scenic riding, far from civilization. Nearby, two additional trails are for foot-hiking only. Fishing is available in the nearby Chattooga River. Water and electricity available at each site. Flushing toilets and drinking water, as well. Hitching racks and horse watering stations available. (F,S)

Key:

o Full Service(F) - The campground is loaded with modern day conveniences. You will definitely find drinking water, restrooms, and probably electricity and hot showers. Maybe even laundry facilities.

o Primitive Car Camping (P) - If you're going primitive car-camping, you will not have immediate access to water or electricity. There may not be a restroom available & you might have to pack out your trash. But, you will be parking your car near your campsite for convenience.

o Back Country Primitive (B) - These sites provide no modern conveniences and you will have to carry in your gear. Sometimes, that means backpacking or paddling your gear to campsites. So, pack light!

Lesli made her way to Atlanta over 20 years ago, after living in Germany, Japan and six U.S. states. She relishes the discovery of obscure, offbeat and unwonted places, and she will chat up any willing stranger to uncover a new secret locale.

After 18 years in software development, Lesli bailed on the corporate scene. When she’s not traveling, she’s hiking in the mountains or checking out Atlanta’s culinary scene, whiskey in hand.

Lesli has two kiddos -Cooper and Elliot- plus two bonus kids currently at UGA, and she’s happily married to her soul mate.

The Adventure Programs Zip Line is set up around the parking lot of Unicoi Lodge and is such a revolting eyesore. It looks like there is a deer stand in every other tree.The zip line crosses the parking lot. What if objects fall from users pockets and crack the windshields of cars parked below?

Jonica Gap Campground is between Blue Ridge Ga and Murphy, N.C.
A small, private Campground for tenters and Popups…Some sights with water and electric. Nice clean hot showers, just minutes to whitewater Rafting, tubing, hiking and so much more! 2 miles down a dirt road in the woods with stocked trout ponds, herb garden for campers use and we even have a couple nice Coleman Popups we rent by the night that are all set up and ready to move in! Just a couple streets over from the Toccoa River, best trout fishing in North Ga!
Checkout our website @ http://www.jonicagapcampground.com
We would love to have you come stay with us!

This summer, I am planning on taking my family to Georgia for a month in our RV. We really want to explore both the north and the south part of the state and so I am really glad that this post lists many great camping spots. I think that we would be particularly interested in setting up camp at the Chattahoochee Bend State Park, because it sounds like there is so much for us to do there. However, would we have to bring our own kayak or could we rent one there?

Bald Mountain Camping Resort in Hiawassee, Georgia (North Georgia Mountains) has kayaks and pedal boats for rent on our fishing lake. Lots of other things to do there, also. We are close to Lake Chatuge in town.

Gosh – I wish I knew! We don’t have an RV and I’m just not up on that kind of 411. Maybe a State Park??? Unicoi and Amicalola are the biggest state parks here with the most facilities so you might check with them. Sorry ST!

We went to Frank Gross campground. Total autonomy, clean and welcoming by nature. a TRUE primitive camping site with a beautiful creek, lake and hiking. I will take my family again. I thought it amazing when I left the amount of people up the mountain camping with true love for people and nature.